Chauga Scenic River
Sections of the Chauga River are popular for whitewater kayaking. The most adventurous section starts at Cassidy Bridge with is a 9.8 miles (15.8 km) section that is rated up to Class IV at high water.
The Chauga River's source is the confluence of Village Creek and East Village Creek about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Mountain Rest, South Carolina in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest. A little over 1 mile (1.6 km) downstream, it is joined by Jerry Creek, which flows from Lake Becky and the Oconee State Park. Then it crosses Cassidy Bridge at the Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp. Then it is joined by Cedar Creek and Rocky Fork Creek. After it crosses US Highway 76, it is joined by Ramsey Creek at Chau Ram County Park. There it goes over a waterfall at the park and is crossed by a pedestrian suspension bridge. Then it flows south to Lake Hartwell that was formed by damming the Tugaloo River and the Seneca River.
Section 1
Verner Mill Road to Blackwell Bridge
Class 2-3(5) • 3 Miles
The Chauga Gauge need to be at 6 inches or more
Section 2
Route 193 to Route 290-Cassidy Bridge (Chauga Narrows)
Class 2-3(4) • 5.4 Miles
The Gauge is located on the river right on Cassidy Bridge pilling. -3 is a good minimum.
All class 2-3 with a 100 yard class 5 about .5 miles into it.
Section 3
Route 290/Cassidy Bridge Road to Cobbs Bridge Road. (Chauga Gorge)
Class 4 • 9.8 Miles
Average Gradient 40 fpm • Maximum Gradient 150 fpm
Rapids
First Slide • Class 4
River Mile 0.7
First Slide – Right Lane • Class 4
River Mile 0.7
Super Sock Em Dog • Class 4
River Mile 1.2
Second Gorge Slide • Class 3
River Mile 2.9
Blackhole • Class 3+
River Mile 3.0
Edge of the World • Class 4+
River Mile 3.9
Riley Moore Falls • Class 4+
River Mile 8.0
Section 4
Cobbs Bridge Road to North Horseshoe Bridge Road (thru Chau Ram Park)
Class 1-2 (3) • 7.5 Miles
Average Gradient 20 fpm • Maximum Gradient 40 fpm
Check the Gauge on the Chattooga to be over 2 feet and Flat Shoal River should be running
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